Rhode Island Law Enforcement Support Office (LESO)

10 USC 2576a – Title 10, USC Section 2576 authorizes the Secretary of Defense to transfer excess property to law enforcement agencies (LEAs).

• The Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) manages the LESO program on behalf of the Department of Defense.
• Preference is given to counter-drug/counterterrorism, disaster related emergency preparedness, or border security activities.
• DLA does not charge states or LEAs for excess property.
• LEAs are responsible for all transportation and maintenance costs.
• Controlled property is considered a loan and must be accounted for and returned to DLA once an LEA no longer has use for the property.

Organizational Levels

1. Federal level – The DLA Law Enforcement Support Office provides national-level program management and oversight.
2. State level – The State Coordinator, appointed by the governor, provides state-level oversight.
3. Local level – State and local police, county sheriffs, and other LEAs are responsible for the accountability and tracking of controlled property.

Participating in the 1033 Program

The Law Enforcement Support Office (LESO) is accepting applications for participation in the 1033 Program. To date, thousands of federal, tribal, state, and local law enforcement agencies (LEAs) have participated. 

As active members, LEAs receive a Department of Defense Activity Address Code (DODAAC), which allows LESO to track issued property. Additionally, LEAs are granted access to web-based applications that enable them to search for and request equipment. Requests for excess DOD property by state LEAs must be approved by the State Coordinator as well as the LESO.

Once property is received and recorded, the LEA must ensure its accountability and responsibility. If the LEA desires to transfer, turn in, or dispose of the property, they must obtain LESO approval.

How to Participate in the 1033 Program

To qualify for entry into the 1033 Program, LEAs must meet all three of the following basic criteria:

1. Is the agency’s primary function the enforcement of laws?
2. Are the agency’s officers compensated?
3. Do the agency’s officers have the power of arrest and apprehension?

If all three prerequisites are met, LEAs should contact their State Coordinator. 

Note: All forms, requests, and justifications must be signed and submitted by the respective State Coordinator prior to submission to LESO. (Click on the banner below for more information.)